Bookbinding operations



L. D. SIBERT ETAL BOOKBINDING OPERATIONS Filed Nov. 28, 1961 4 Sheets-Sheet l April 21, 1964 D. slBERT ETAL 3,129,445

BOOKBINDING OPERATIONS V Filed Nov. 28, 1961 4 sheets-sheet 2 INVENTORS LAWRENCE 0. S/BERE RBERT F.' S/BER; JO/M F. MOF/:E75 FRANK E. MFFETE April 21, 1964 1 D. slBl-:R'r ETAL 3,129,446

BOOKBINDING OPERATIONS Filed Nov. 28, 1961 4 Sheets-Slfzee-zl 5 INVENTORS LAWRENCED. S/BERT,

fmmmmfm TTORNEYS United States Patent V 3,129,446 BGUKBINDING PERATIONS Lawrence l). Sibert and Robert F. Sibert, `Iaeksonvilie, and

John F. Moett and Frank E. Modett, Batavia, lil., assignors of one-hait to New Method Book Bindery, Inc., Jacksonville, Ill., a corporation of Delaware, and onehalf to Moffett Precision Products, Inc., Batavia, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Filed Nov. 28, 1961, Ser. No. 155,414 3 Claims. (Cl. 11-1) This invention relates generally to improvements in bookbinding operations, and more particularly, to a machine for folding and sealing the end papers of a book during the binding operation.

In the binding of books, many steps are necessary to prepare the book prior to the application of a cover. This is particularly true in the preparation of books which are referred to as prebound, or bound in library binding. This method of binding books is used in the binding of new books which are to be used in schools and libraries where the binding must be strong to provide a book rugged enough to withstand the abusive wear and tear to which the library and school books are subjected. This type of binding is still accomplished almost completely by a series of manual operations.

In the binding operation, the books are formed and placed into stacks with their backs facing one side of the stack. Glue is then applied to the backs of the books in the stack. After the backs of the books have been glued, each book is separated from the stack and divided into small sections for sewing.

The end papers are then added to the book. The end papers consist generally of three parts: a pasted down or outward end leaf, which becomes the cover lining, at least two free ilyleaves, and a reinforcing fabric which has been treated with suitable adhesive.

The books are then sewn along their back edges. The papers are sewed on with the other sections of the book. After the sewing process, the end papers are pasted down and trimmed. Since the cover is fastened to the end papers of the book, great care must be exercised to see that the application of the end papers to the book is done properly. The outward end leaf of the end papers, at the front and back of the book, is glued to the front and back cover of the book, respectively.

In the past, it has been common practice to fold the inner edge of the end paper to which the cover is applied by hand, then to paste the edge by hand and place the volumes under weights until dry.

According to this invention, the inner edge of the end paper, to which the cover is glued, is folded back even with the back edge of the volume and sealed in one operation. With this method, the end paper is creased and sealed so that it opens from the exact back edge of the book volume. This machine performs the operation in one-fourth of the time required to perform the operation manually. Also, the operation is performed much more accurately by this machine.

It is an object of this invention to provide a machine for folding and sealing the end paper of a book.

It is another object of this invention to provide a machine for folding and sealing the end paper of a book in a binding operation which accomplishes the step in one operation and is easily adjustable for operating on books of various sizes and thicknesses.

These objects are accomplished according to one embodiment of the invention which consists of a machine having a stationary frame on which a book support is adjustably mounted. A pressure arm is pivotally mounted on the upper portion of the stationary frame. The pressure arm extends over the book support and has a heating element thereon. The pressure arm is provided with a cam follower for moving the pressure arm through a folding and sealing operation. A control cam is mounted on the stationary frame in position for engaging the cam follower. A spring continuously urges the cam follower into engagement with the cam. The control cam is operated by a single revolution clutch which is connected to a gear box operatively associated with a conventional electric motor.

This embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE l is a side elevational view of this invention with the pressure arm engaging a book, shown in broken lines, on the supporting platform;

FIGURE 2 is a top plan view thereof;

FIGURE 3 is a front elevational view thereof;

FIGURE 4 is a sectional View taken on lines 4-4 of FIGURE 1; and

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view taken on line 5-5 of FIGURE 4.

The machine is comprised of a rectangular base member 1d consisting of angle irons rigidly secured together such as by welding or other suitable means.

An L-shaped support 12 is mounted on a base member it) with its leg portions extending angularly upwardly from the base member it). The leg portions of the L- shaped support 12 consist of a pair of rectangular plates 14 and 16. The plate 14 is connected to the plate 16 at its lower end in any suitable manner. The upper end of the plate 14 is supported by a pair of bars 18 at each side thereof which are connected to the base member l@ by bolts 2t). The plate 16 of the L-shaped support member 12 is supported by a pair of trapezoidal plates 22 which are bolted to the base member 10.

A book-supporting platform 24 is disposed perpendicular to the plate 15 with an edge 25 slidably engaged with the plate 16. The plate 16 forms a backstop for a book on the platform 24.

The book-supporting platform 24 is movably connected to a block 26 by a pair of rods 28 which extend from the bottom of the supporting platform 24. The rods 28 are slidably supported in bores 30 located adjacent each end of the block 26. A spring 32 encircles each of the rods 28 and engages the top surface of the block 26 and the bottom surface of the book-supporting platform 24. A nut 34 on the end of each rod 2d maintains proper tension in each spring 32. The springs 32 maintain the book-supporting platform 24 in a position spaced above the block 26. The springs 32 permit limited movement of the platform 24 relative to the block 26 when pressure is applied to a book supported on the platform.

The block 26 is mounted for movement so that the position of the platform 24 may be varied relative to the plate 16. This adjustment is provided for adapting the machine to handle books of various thicknesses.

The block 26 is supported by a threaded shaft 36 which engages a threaded bore 38 in the center of the block 26. The block 26 is spaced from the plate 16 and has an extension 39 which slidably engages the plate 16. The shaft 36 is suitably journaled in the plate 14 at 40. The lower end of the shaft 36 is provided Vwith a bevel gear 42. The bevel gear 42 engages a second bevel gear 44 which is secured to one end of a shaft 46 supported onV the plate 14 by brackets 48. A handle 50 is the other end of the shaft 46. n

It will now be unders-toodthat by rotation of the secured to handle 5t), the bevel gear 44 is rotated which in turn rotates the bevel gear 42 and the shaft 36. The rotation of the shaft 36 in the threaded bore 38 will raise or lower the block 26 depending on the direction of movement imparted to the handle S0. The movement of the block 26 will of course move the platform 24.A 'In Ithis manner, the

platform may be adjusted for books ofrvarious thicknesses.

Means are provided for securing the block 2d in position once it has been positioned by manipulation of the handle 5t). A clamp handle 52 is provided which is secured on a shaft S4. The shaft 54 extends through `a slot 56 in the plate 16 and threadably engages the extension 39 of the block 26. Once the block has been positioned at the desired position, the clamp handle 52 is rotated to clamp the washer 57 firmly against the plate 16 to maintain the block 26 in the selected position.

stabilizing means are provided on the platform 24 for maintaining its -position relative to the plate 16. The stabilizing means includes -a pair of plates 5S which are rigidly secured to the bottom of the platform 24 at each side thereof and spaced apart a distance greater than the length of the block 26. Bolts 60 are rigidly secured in the plates 58 and extend through slots 62 in the plate 15. rfhe slots 62 are of such a length so as to permit full movement of the platform 24 from its uppermost position to its lowermost position. The plates 53 slid-ably engage the plate 16 when the platform is raised or lowered. The stabilizer plates 53 also guide the platform 24 when it is moved relative to the block 26 because of pressure irnparted thereon.

An arm 64 is mounted on a shaft 66 which is journaled in suitable bearings 68 and 7K9 supported on brackets 72 and '74, respectively. The brackets 72 and 74 are rigidly secured to the plate 14 at each side thereof.

A sealing member 7 6 is secured to the free end of the arm 64 by bolts -or other suitable means. The sealing member 76 consists of ian elongate bar having a rectangular projection 78. The sealing member 76 extends substantially the full width of the platform 24. The projection 78 is heated electrically and is of a predetermined width so las to engage an edge portion only of a book which has been placed on the platform 24. Suit-able thermostatic controls (not shown) may be provided for maintaining the sealing member at a desired temperature.

When the arm 64 is in its lowered position, the front edge of the sealing member 76 is spaced from the plate 16 a small distance so as to permit a sheet of the end papers, indicated 'at S in FIG. l, to extend between the front edge of the sealing member '76 and the plate 16.

Means are provided for causing pivotal movement of the -arm 64 from a position spaced above the book-suppor-ting platform 24 to :a position adjacent the book-supporting platform 24 for engaging .a book supported thereon to perform the folding and sealing operation. A brace '79 -is rigidly secured to the arm 64 and extends downwardly and rearwardly therefrom. A cam follower roller 80 `is rotatably mounted on a pin 31 supported by legs 82 and 83 which fare bolted to the brace 79.

A cam 84 is mounted on a shaft 86 which is supported for rotation in suitable bearings mounted in the plates 72 and 74. The cam :is positioned to be engaged by the cam follower roller 80. A spring S8 is provided for continuously urging the cam follower roller Si) against the cam 84. The spring 88 is secured -at its one end to the plate 14 by a bracket '89. The other end of the spring 88 is connected to a strut '9h which is bolted or otherwise secured to the brace 79 on the arm 64.

The contour of the cam may be designed so as to maintain the arm in lits lower position a predetermined length of time during one revolution of the cam. During the remaining portion of revolution of the cam, the cam is designed so as to move the arm to its upper position and maintain -it in the upper position.

A single revolution clutch 91 is also supported on the shaft 86. The single revolution clutch 91 is of conventional design and is actuated by a solenoid 92 secured on the bracket 74 .and connected to the clutch by a link 93.

The clutch 91 is continuously driven by a chain 94 Conneoted t0 a gear bOX 96 supported on the plate 14. The gear box 96 is operatively connected with an electric motor 98 by means of a drive belt 10u which extends through a slot 101 in the plate 14.

The motor 9g is mounted on a suitable adjustable mounting 192 which is secured to the frame 10. The ad'- justable mounting 102 provides for adjustment of the tension in the drive belt 160.

Suitable controls (not shown) may be provided for energizing the electric motor and the solenoid operated clutch.

According to Ithis invention, an operator places a book B on the book-supporting platform 24. The book-supporting platform 24 is then adjusted, by manipulation of handle 5t), so that the top of the book is substantially flush with the top edge of the backstop plate 16. The platform support 26 is then locked in this position by clamp 52. The operator then opens the first sheet of the end papers and holds it out flat from the book and firmly against the backstop of the machine. The operator then `actuates the machine. The clutch 91 will rotate the control cam 84 through one revolution each time the opera-tor actuates the machine. The electric motor 98, which has been energized previously, is running continuously.

The contour of the control cam 84 is designed to swingV the pressure arm downwardly to engage the projection 7S of the sealing element 76 with the edge portion of the book and to press it on the edge portion of the book. The heat from the projection 78 will soften the adhesive and the pressure will cause the overlying edge portion of the end paper to bond to the underlying edge portion of the end paper.

The pressure exerted on the book will cause the booksupporting platform 24 to move downwardly relative to the backstop plate 16 and the block 26 on which the platform is resiliently mounted. This movement accomplishes two purposes. The downward movement of the platform 24 creases the first sheet, indicated at S in FIG.

l, along the edge of the b-ackstop plate 16. The iirst sheetis thus folded and bonded 4in one opera-tion. Also, this movement cushions the impact of the sealing member '76 on the book. This prevents jarring of the various actuating elements of the machine and results in better and longer operation of the machine.

The control cam 84 will swing the pressure arm 64 upwardly to its inoperative position after a specific length of time as determined by the contour of the control cam 84. The clutch 91 will then deactivate the control cam 84 until the operator is ready -to perform another operation.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in one embodiment, i-t is recognized that other variations and changes may be made therein without departing from the invention -as set forth in the claims.

We claim:

1. A bookbinding machine comprised of a frame, as

support mounted on said frame, a book-supporting platform, means adjustably mounting said platform on said support, a clamp for selectively locking said adjustable mounting means relative to said support, resilient means connecting said platform to said adjustable mounting means, said platform being disposed perpendicular to said support and having an edge slidably engaging a portion of said support whereby said support portion forms a stop member for said platform, said platform being adapted to support a book thereon in abutting relation with said stop member, an arm pivotally mounted on said support for movement from a position spaced above said platform to a position adjacent said platform and said support, sealing means including a heating element carried by said arm, said arm being of a length to position said sealing means adjacent said stop member forming a space therewith to permit a sheet of paper to extend therethrough whereby when said arm is adjacent said platform said sealing means will engage the top sheet of the end papers of a book on said platform for folding said top sheet and sealing au edge of said top heet to lthe adjacent portion of the end papers of said ook.

2. A bookbinding machine comprising a frame, a support mounted on said frame, said support being substantially L-shaped and having a long leg and a short leg, a book supporting platform disposed in a plane parallel to a plane passing through the long leg of said support and perpendicular to the short leg of said support, said platform having an edge slidably engaging said short leg, a block slidably supported on said short leg, means connected to said block for moving said block relative to said short leg, clamp means operatively associated with said block for maintaining said block in a predetermined position relative to said short leg, resilient means connecting said block with said platform to resiliently support said platform on said block, said platform and said short leg adapted to support a book thereon, an arm pivotally mounted on said support for movement from a position spaced above platform to a position adjacent to said platform, sealing means carried by said arm whereby when said arm is adjacent said platform said sealing means will engage the top sheet of the end papers of a book on said platform for folding said top sheet and sealing an edge of top sheet to the underlying portion of the end papers of said book, means for pivoting said arm including a cam and a cam follower resiliently urged against said cam for moving said arm in response to the contour of said cam.

3. A bookbinding machine comprised of a frame, a support mounted on said frame, a book supporting platform, means adjustably mounting said platform on said support, a clamp for selectively locking said adjustable mounting means relative to said support, resilient means connecting said platform to said adjustable mounting means, said platform having an edge slidably engaging a portion of said support whereby said support portion forms a stop member for said platform, said platform being adapted to support a book thereon in abutting relation with said stop member, an arm pivotally mounted on said support for movement from a position spaced above said platform to a position adjacent said platform, a heating element aixed to the free end of said arm whereby when said arm is adjacent said platform said heating means will engage the top sheet of the end papers of a book on said platform, said arm being of a length to position said heating element adjacent said stop member forming a space therewith to permit a sheet of paper to extend therethrough thus folding said sheet while simultaneously sealing the end papers of a book means for pivoting said arm including a cam and a cam follower resiliently urged against said cam for moving said arm in response to the contour of said cam.

References Cited in the iile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,154,969 Burnham Sept. 28, 1915 2,247,623 Von Hofe July 1, 1941 2,362,328 Von Hofe Nov. 7, 1944 2,414,621 Von Hofe Jan. 21, 1947 

1. A BOOKBINDING MACHINE COMPRISED OF A FRAME, A SUPPORT MOUNTED ON SAID FRAME, A BOOK-SUPPORTING PLATFORM, MEANS ADJUSTABLY MOUNTING SAID PLATFORM ON SAID SUPPORT, A CLAMP FOR SELECTIVELY LOCKING SAID ADJUSTABLE MOUNTING MEANS RELATIVE TO SAID SUPPORT, RESILIENT MEANS CONNECTING SAID PLATFORM TO SAID ADJUSTABLE MOUNTING MEANS, SAID PLATFORM BEING DISPOSED PERPENDICULAR TO SAID SUPPORT AND HAVING AN EDGE SLIDABLY ENGAGING A PORTION OF SAID SUPPORT WHEREBY SAID SUPPORT PORTION FORMS A STOP MEMBER FOR SAID PLATFORM, SAID PLATFORM BEING ADAPTED TO SUPPORT A BOOK THEREON IN ABUTTING RELATION WITH SAID STOP MEMBER, AN ARM PIVOTALLY MOUNTED ON SAID SUPPORT FOR MOVEMENT FROM A POSITION SPACED ABOVE SAID PLATFORM TO A POSITION ADJACENT SAID PLATFORM AND SAID SUPPORT, SEALING MEANS INCLUDING A HEATING ELEMENT CARRIED BY SAID ARM, SAID ARM BEING OF A LENGTH TO POSITION SAID SEALING MEANS ADJACENT SAID STOP MEMBER FORMING A SPACE THEREWITH TO PERMIT A SHEET OF PAPER TO EXTEND THERETHROUGH WHEREBY WHEN SAID ARM IS ADJACENT SAID PLATFORM SAID SEALING MEANS WILL ENGAGE THE TOP SHEET OF THE END PAPERS OF A BOOK ON SAID PLATFORM FOR FOLDING SAID TOP SHEET AND SEALING AN EDGE OF SAID TOP SHEET TO THE ADJACENT PORTION OF THE END PAPERS OF SAID BOOK. 